Miele Dishwasher F11 Drain Error: Clean the Filter First (Most Fix in 5 Minutes)

Quick Answer

Miele dishwasher F11 (also displayed as 'Drain' on some models) means the machine failed to drain water by the end of the cycle. In roughly 65% of cases it is a clogged triple filter - the three-part filter assembly at the bottom of the wash cabinet traps food debris and must be cleaned regularly. Remove the cylindrical microfilter by turning counter-clockwise, lift out the coarse strainer and flat fine filter beneath it, rinse all three under the tap, and reinstall. If F11 persists after cleaning the filter, the drain pump impeller may be blocked by a seed, shard, or label fragment.

MieleDishwasherSeverity: moderate85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

5–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$20 – $95

Tools Needed

Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush (filter cleaning), Needle-nose pliers (impeller debris removal)

Wrong code?

Not seeing F11 on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

AquaStop triggered, leak detected

F70

water not draining

BoschE24

What Does the F11 Code Mean?

Miele dishwashers monitor drain pump current and flow to confirm complete drainage. If the pump runs for the programmed time without reaching the empty-tub state, the control unit logs F11. Miele's triple filter system is finer than most competitors' single-filter designs, which improves wash quality but requires more frequent cleaning. A partially blocked microfilter adds enough resistance to cause F11 while the dishwasher still appears to drain most of its water - leading users to assume the filter is fine when it is the culprit.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged triple filter assembly (most common by far)40%

Foreign object blocking the drain pump impeller24%

Kinked or incorrectly installed drain hose14%

Failed drain pump motor12%

Blocked sink drain or air gap causing back-pressure10%

Symptoms You May Notice

F11 on display at the end of a wash cycle
'Drain' text message on older Futura models
Water pooled at the bottom of the cabinet after cycle ends
Dishwasher stops mid-cycle with water visible at the base

Can you reset a Miele dishwasher to clear the F11 code?

Press Start/Stop to cancel the cycle. The machine will run a short drain sequence. Once drained, open the door and clean the filter. Close the door and start a new cycle. F11 clears automatically once a successful drain is completed.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush (filter cleaning)Needle-nose pliers (impeller debris removal)Multimeter (pump motor test if needed)Flashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Clean the triple filter assembly

Remove the lower dish rack completely. At the bottom center of the wash cabinet you will see the filter assembly. Grip the cylindrical microfilter (the tall round piece) and turn it counter-clockwise until it releases, then lift it straight up. Beneath it sits the flat fine filter and the coarse strainer - lift these out as a unit. Take all three pieces to the sink. Rinse under running water. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub the cylindrical filter mesh - food particles compact into the mesh and do not rinse off with water pressure alone. Reinstall in reverse order. The cylindrical filter locks clockwise with a click. Run a short 'Quick Wash' or 'Rinse' program.

Check the drain pump for blockage

Inspect the drain hose routing

Test the drain pump motor

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range130–250 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Drain Pump6239562 (G 4000-5000), 10760540 (G 6000-7000) · $45–$95	6239562 (G 4000-5000), 10760540 (G 6000-7000)	$45 – $95
Triple Filter Set10478240 · $20–$45	10478240	$20 – $45

Verify part fitment for your Miele model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $58 (Parts) vs $1650 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the Miele dishwasher filter?

Miele recommends cleaning the triple filter every 2-4 weeks depending on usage. In a busy household running the dishwasher daily, weekly cleaning prevents F11. The filter assembly takes 5 minutes to remove, rinse, and reinstall - it is faster than calling for service.

Why does my Miele dishwasher show 'Drain' instead of F11?

Older Miele Futura Classic and Futura Diamond models (pre-G 4000 series) display text messages like 'Drain', 'Intake', or 'Intake/Drain' instead of F-codes. The 'Drain' message is the equivalent of F11 on newer models. The cause and fix are the same - start with the filter cleaning.

Can F11 damage my Miele dishwasher?

F11 stops the cycle before it completes, which means dishes may not be rinsed or dried properly. The fault itself does not damage the machine - the drain pump is protected by the control unit cutting power to it. However, if the fault is caused by an impeller blockage and you run repeated cycles with a jammed impeller, the pump motor can eventually burn out.

My Miele dishwasher drains most of the water but still shows F11. Why?

A partially clogged filter creates enough back-pressure that the pump cannot fully empty the sump within the programmed drain time. The machine detects residual water and throws F11 even though most of the water has drained. This is the classic sign of a nearly-blocked microfilter - the mesh looks almost clean but is coated with a thin film of compressed food particles that dramatically reduces flow.

Related Miele Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: HUBMiele Dishwasher Error Codes: Full List Code: RESETHow to Reset a Miele Dishwasher Code: F70Miele Dishwasher F70 Waterproof System

Same Fix on Other Brands

Bosch dishwasherE24: Bosch Dishwasher E24: Drain Fault

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Miele shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience F11 Errors

This repair applies to most Miele dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

G 4228 SCVi, G 4310 SC, G 5265 SCVi, G 5210 SC, G 6360 SCVi, G 6100 SC, G 6770 SCVi K2O, G 7160 SCVi, G 7100 SC, G 7460 SCVi

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026